Welcome Claude Decrepney

Taylor-Jones & Son are delighted to welcome the intrepid sailor and explorer Claude Decrpeney to the gallery.

Claude is the smash hit creation of artist duo Chloe Woods and Gary Ray Smith. He is Ray Smith's alter ego  - and what a life Claude must lead. His tattoos tell his story, inked into his body as a permanent reminder of his adventures and escapades. Loves and Losses. Hopes and Dreams. He came to life in early 2025 and is now collected all over the world. Claude finds himself and his tattoos sold out in hours, his last 14 paintings dissappearing from a Cornish gallery in just 24hrs. We're delighted he has made a appearance here in Deal and offer you the chance to join his cult following. Click on the link below to see our full collection of portraits and tattoos.

Babe You Turn Me On , Acrylic on recycled board, 31cm x 36cm 

About:

Gary Ray Smith studied Fashion and Textiles in Southend and Painting at Chelsea College of Art. After working 35 years in industry he became a full time Artist / Designer in 2024. Chloe Woods studied at Bournville College of Art and has a degree from Nottingham Trent University. After a career in Interior Architecture she reignited her love for painting on her relocation to Cornwall in 2015. Since then she has been working as an interior designer, gallerist and painter. Chloe became a full time artist in 2025

Chloe Woods and Gary Ray Smith met through sharing a studio space at Krowji Creative Hub in Cornwall. They quickly built up a rapport and began collaborating, bouncing ideas of each other and discussing how their work might evolve in the future. Now Chloe and Gary work together to tell the story of Claude, a sailor whose life and adventures are painted with warmth, humour, and heart. Much of their work addresses themes of love and optimism and are typically positive, joyous, and celebratory. Painted on recycled panels and presented in salvaged frames, the collection layers stories, personal references and found visuals.